Top 5 possible destinations for Romelu Lukaku
Romelu Lukaku’s future at Chelsea is shrouded ever since his controversial interview in January earlier in the year in which he criticised Blues boss Thomas Tuchel.
Lukaku hit the headlines during a football unauthorised interview with Sky Italia as he admitted that he was unhappy at Chelsea, slammed coach Thomas Tuchel for his tactics and revealed that he wanted to return to Inter. The 28-year-old was dropped altogether from the squad for the Premier League match with Liverpool following that interview and there are reports that he wants to quit Chelsea this transfer window to rediscover himself and be the world-beater that he is.
Top European sides have been monitoring the situation between Lukaku and Chelsea, and are ready to swoop in should the 2020-21 UEFA Champions League winners choose to cash in on their outcast.
As the Belgian ponders his next destination, Parimatch News consider five possible destinations for ‘Big Rom’ –
#1 Inter Milan
Lukaku scored 24 goals and starred for Inter in the 2020/21 Serie A season
Chelsea forward Romelu Lukaku is most likely to be headed back to Inter Milan, with the Serie A club weighing up ways to bring him back to the San Siro. The 29-year-old has failed to find top form since rejoining Chelsea for €115 million in the summer, scoring just five goals in 19 Premier League appearances.
And while Inter isn’t sure whether they could afford the transfer fee required to take the Belgium international back on a permanent basis, reports suggest that they are now looking at a potential loan deal in the summer.
Lukaku is reportedly unhappy at Stamford Bridge and he would be open to a return to Inter, having expressed his desire to re-join the club in the explosive interview already mentioned above. He was a standout player for the Nerazzurri in the 2020/21 season, scoring 24 goals in 36 league appearances, as they won the Scudetto.
#2 Juventus
Juventus are in the market for a striker in the current transfer window, having endured a disastrous last season in front of the goal post. The Bianconeri struggled to score goals and could only manage to land in the fourth place and also had the worst offensive record in the top half of the Serie A table.
With the official confirmation of Paolo Dybala’s exit this summer, it makes way for another forward and thus the former Inter Milan man would be an ideal replacement for the Bianconeri. The Italian giants must target next year’s Serie A, while also preparing for the Champions League and Big Rom would be instrumental in helping them achieve this.
Meanwhile, Lukaku has an inside-out knowledge of Serie A having spent two fruitful years in the division with Inter Milan. A move to Juventus could be the perfect move for the player, however, the Bianconeri like Inter would only be able to afford Lukaku on loan.
#3 Tottenham Hotspur
Lukaku has a great working relationship with Spurs boss Antonio Conte
Lukaku has a strong relationship with former Inter boss Antonio Conte, having worked together in Milan for two years before both returning to England.
After helping Inter win back the Scudetto for the first time in 11 years last season, the two have an excellent bond and could seek a reunion at Tottenham. Lukaku already lives in London, has a great deal of Premier League experience and would surely relish the chance to play for his former boss again.
As much as the move might infuriate Chelsea fans, the prospect of seeing Harry Kane and Romelu Lukaku play together would delight Spurs supporters. The two clubs are bitter rivals and rarely ever do any transfer business together, thus this transfer would be a little difficult to execute.
#4 Newcastle United
Ultra-rich Newcastle has signalled their intention to sign world-class players to transform their fortunes from relegation battlers into title contenders. And with Lukaku seemingly keen to quit Stamford Bridge, he could be tempted with a move to the North-East if the right offer was put on the table.
The Toon are yet to make a marquee signing since completing their £300m Saudi-led takeover last year and signing Lukaku would be a statement of intent. The Belgium international will not only bring experience but will also transform Newcastle’s attack. The Magpies may have signed Chris Wood in January but lack a world-class centre-forward. The former Everton man could fill that role if he plays to his potential at St. James’ Park.
Lukaku has proven Premier League pedigree and would undoubtedly score plenty of goals in black and white to help steer them away from trouble. Meanwhile, Newcastle has always been a prestigious club and now has the financial backing to compete with the best in the business again.
#5 Paris Saint-Germain
There is no top player who isn’t linked to the Paris club. With excellent money, a comparatively easier league to play in and a swanky lifestyle in the French capital, Lukaku should be no exception. With strong reports of Neymar Jr. leaving the club this summer, PSG could look to rebuild their attack with the Belgian.
Meanwhile, The Parisians are not short of cash and the prospect of playing in an attack alongside both Lionel Messi and Mbappe would be tempting for any player.
At the age of 29, Lukaku will be keen to get his hands on more trophies sooner rather than later and PSG is certainly a club that can promise short-term silverware. With the French club in need of an out and out striker in the summer and Lukaku demanding huge wages, PSG could be his best option.